“I also often hear people say that the deck is stacked against them because of racism, sexism, or other oppressive 'isms.' But once you let go of the blame and excuses, you'll see that you can alter your position on your own.”

American businessman and motivational speaker

Chris Gardner is an American businessman and motivational speaker. He became a stockbroker in the mid-1970s and later founded Gardner Rich & Co in 1987. In 2006, he sold his minority stake in the firm and published a memoir that was later adapted into the film The Pursuit of Happyness. He is also known for speaking about persistence, hardship, and turning setbacks into progress.